poise 1 of 2

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as in posture
a general way of holding the body the woman's poise suggested that she was accustomed to having her wishes carried out promptly and without question

Synonyms & Similar Words

poise

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poise different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address, savoir faire, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When would address be a good substitute for poise?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When can savoir faire be used instead of poise?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Where would tact be a reasonable alternative to poise?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of poise
Noun
The mid palate has the delicate, rich poise and juicy fruitiness of a Piemonte Dolcetto and the creamy balance of a Beaujolais cru. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 In its poise, its interiority and conviction, its lack of sentimentality or overstatement, her singing seemed to press the reset button on any standard expectations of a pop star. Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
The proposal also resets relations in the U.S.-Russia-Ukraine triangle, after a heated late February White House clash between Trump and Zelenskyy and the temporary interruption of U.S. military aid to Kyiv seemed poised to thrust Washington deeper into the Kremlin’s orbit. Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025 And George Glass, a former investment banker and diplomat, is poised to become the top U.S. envoy to Japan. The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
  • Nurturing Work-Life Synergy Maintaining a harmonious equilibrium between demanding job roles and personal life is pivotal for sustaining employee engagement.
    Wayne Yu, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Adrien Brody’s László Tóth is a Holocaust survivor battling for postwar equilibrium with a determination and wit that keeps us gripped.
    Raven Smith, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This allows security teams to prioritize threats and focus on addressing the most critical threats first, strengthening their overall defense posture.
    Kathleen Walch, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Make use of heads up or posture protector apps that remind you not to bend your neck.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And Ubisoft appears to be bracing for that, post-launch.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • But lower interest rates can also push inflation upward, and U.S. consumers have already begun bracing for higher inflation because of tariffs.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The price of bitcoin was last hovering flat at $88,949.16, according to Coin Metrics.
    Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Preferring to take her chances solo, in the outside world, rather than go with Helena Eagan (Britt Lower) to meet with the board, Harmony’s whereabouts — and loyalties — have been a major question mark hovering over Season 2’s steadily escalating events.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • As policy stances shift constantly, families are left with a sense of unease and confusion that is confounded by the stress of adjusting to their new lives.
    Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The stopgap measure to avert a shutdown largely extended current funding levels through the fiscal year, allowing Paul to argue that opposing it was actually the more conservative stance because the bill essentially greenlit Biden-era spending levels.
    Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • What hope had been fortified in the first half Wednesday had faded by the second.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, rising seas on Alaska's shoreline have forced the Pentagon to fortify radar sites.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • President Donald Trump has floated proposals such as privatization and folding the USPS into the Commerce Department.
    Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to the SBA, the Treasury and Commerce departments have also been floated as agencies that could possibly take on the responsibility.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • How an Overly Sunny Demeanor Could Affect You Of course, if your exclusively positive attitude is rubbing others the wrong way, that doesn’t bode well for your relationships.
    Cathy Cassata, Health, 14 Mar. 2025
  • But the attitude of our coaches was, ‘Again, again — next goal, next goal’.
    Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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